Persson Rejects Blair EU Budget

Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson has dismissed Tony Blair’s proposal for a new European Union budget as “rather pro-British”.

Speaking to journalists at an industry seminar Tuesday, Persson said Britain is the country which does best by the new budget, compared to previous proposals. He says the fact that Sweden also comes out well is not enough. Persson says he doubts the proposal will become reality, and perhaps should be seen as an opening bid in the coming negotiations.

Under the plan, Britain would accept a reduction in its controversial rebate, but instead of previous demands for reforms in the EU’s farm subsidy program, Tony Blair would cut aid to the poorest new member countries.